Castelbajac Celebrates the Life and Look of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, who died on Thursday at the age of 50, wasn’t just an influence on other musicians. The self-declared King of Pop made a huge impression on the world of fashion as well, and was the inspiration for countless designers over the last thirty years. From his famous glove to military-inspired, jewel-encrusted blazers, the Man in the Mirror never stopped experimenting sartorially, and fashionistas and designers alike loved him for it.

The often outlandish French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac reacted to news of Jackson’s death the way any modern man would: he immediately changed his Facebook profile to a photo of a dress from his Autumn/Winter 2009 collection with an image of the star’s youthful face splashed across the front. Fanciful and glittering, the dress is covered in dark “hair” across the neckline, suggesting the famous Afro worn by Mr. Jackson during his Jackson 5 days. In a nod to the subtle color schemes of the legend’s wardrobe, below Mr. Jackson’s face the dress’s fabric is bright pink. Mr. Castelbajac’s is one of the more original in a host of tributes to appear this week to honor the deceased superstar. They’re doing the moonwalk in France today, too.